Midnight Sun Mars

Bottle shared by Warren at their little tasting thing. Belgian Style? What? Not even close. These presents zero Belgian character. Instead it is a pretty typical Imperial Red hop-bomb, loaded up with Amarillo and all that goodness. Kind of dull though, with too big of a body.

On draft at O’Brien’s for the CBC/WBC. Appearance is a murky amber hue, minimal head and lacing [Gabe Fletcher was at the pub, said there were some issues with the carbonation]. Smell is wow, Belgian candy and yeast, dark fruits, grassy hops, caramel malts, alcohol and light fruits (peaches, pears). Taste is initially dominated by pine/grass hops and big caramel malts, as well as dark rich fruits, transitions to sweet candy and peach syrup, finishes dry and sweet. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied, thick and oily texture, mild carbonation (likely due to carbonation problems). Drinkability is high, a complex and unique blend of Belgian and IPA and Amber styles, the sweet fruits and candy balance out formidable hops with a strong caramel malt backbone.

Bottle shared at Columbus tasting- Pours a ruby-brown with a thin, white head. Aroma is very buttery hoppy, with some toasted caramel malt. Flavor is pine. Just pine. I was expecting a little more from the aroma, but was a little let down. Finished surprisingly bitter.

dark clear reddish brown with foamy head. intense hoppy aroma, with a strong bitter taste

22 oz. bottle - the planet series opener pours a clear, dark amber with huge off-white head that takes a bit to settle; lots of lacing left behind; sweet pine hops with lots of sugar and dry malt; very deep and intoxicating aromas; very malty and hops a small contribution, except for in the bitter finish; flavors never live up to the aromas on this one